Apple iWatch to lead 500m wearable computer rush

By 2018 analysts forecast half a billion wearable computing device sales a year, as we wait for Apple's smartwatch.

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As the world awaits Apple's much-rumoured iWatch analysts forecast that the market for wearable computing devices will near half a billion units sales a year within the next five years. See: Apple testing smart watch designs, iWatch.

ABI Research forecasts the wearable computing device market will become the norm for many and grow to 485 million annual device shipments by 2018.

Smart activity trackers, from companies such as Fitbit and Nike, are widely available, and the devices' "trendy and stylish" appearance makes them very popular with a broad range of customers. See: Fitbit Flex UK price

Smartphone-compatible watches, such as the Pebble, are beginning to emerge, and rumours are legion regarding Apple releasing a smart watch later this year. The so-called iWatch would sync with the owner's iPhone.

We will also see the arrival of the much anticipated, smart glasses later this year. Google is already publically testing its smart glasses called Google Glass.

Both technologies are very stimulating and some of the applications for the device are rather inspiring.

"Apple's curved glass-based watch could prove to be a revelation in the wearable technologies market.

The major question is whether the digital time piece will act as a complimentary device to the company's iPhone smartphones or as a standalone product with other functionalities like health or activity tracking capabilities."

Additionally, smart watches offer extra usages for an item most people already own and commonly purchase. It may become universally expected for watches to include this functionality as feature in the future.

Furthermore, the capabilities of smart watches could lead to the device being used as a wearable remote for home automation systems. A quick shake of your wrist to turn off/on room lights would be a very convenient tool.